Archive for March, 2008
I told myself I wasn’t going to post the cover of my new book on the site until I’d put the sucker to bed. The manuscript’s not even due till next week. But then Kristen Fischer kindly did this infomercial about me Q&A with me on Freelance Switch, which means the 22,000+ people who subscribe to the mother of all freelancing blogs now have the link to my new book (not that I mind). So I thought it was high time I let the cat out of the bag here too. In addition, I’d like to mention five things you probably didn’t know about my new book:
1. It’s called My So-Called Freelance Life: How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire, and it’s due out this fall from Seal Press.
2. I interviewed several of the working class heroes I mentioned yesterday for it.
3. Kate Basart, the fab designer who’s responsible for The Anti 9-to-5 Guide’s good looks, did my new cover too. (Clicking the image at the top of this post will make it bigger, in case you were wondering.) Note the recurring post-it motif! Also, note that those are not my feet, though I do own a pair of pink flip-flops.
4. Just a hunch, but I suspect publishers like to announce their books on Amazon as early as possible so their authors can’t weasel out of their deadlines.
5. The book is available for pre-order on Amazon. I’m just saying…
March 24th, 2008
I recently did a Q&A with Cat Morley of the UK-based online craft community Cut Out & Keep. Cat asked me who my working class heroes are, and I liked the question so much (it was a first for me!) I thought I’d post my answer here.
I love the same funny writers everyone else does: David Sedaris, Sarah Vowell, Anne Lamott, Steve Almond… But I’d have to say my real heroes are the freelancers on the rise whose work I’ve come to know and love in the past few years, several of whom I’ve come to know personally: writer Judy McGuire, who’s as snarky and funny as they come; writer/illustrator Ellen Forney, whose performances of her work impress the hell out of me; writer Diane Mapes, whose ongoing news of book deals, newspaper columns, and assignments from enviable publications keeps me reaching for more too; writer/instructor Angela Fountas, who got a couple of kickass grants [last] year and does a tremendous job of giving back to emerging writers; writer/blogger Ariel Meadow Stallings, who’s got the online social media thing down; illustrator Nina Frenkel, who’s one of the most talented and prolific thirty-somethings I’ve ever met; erotica writer/editor Rachel Kramer Bussel, who besides being mind-bogglingly prolific is pretty dang fearless — I mean, if writing erotica isn’t literally putting your ass on the line, I don’t know what is.
I don’t think someone has to be a stranger who’s been pulling in six figures for the last decade to be a hero. The successes all these women have achieved feel accessible and within reach to me, which I find all the more inspiring. It’s not as daunting as comparing yourself to, say, Michael Chabon or J.K. Rowling and thinking, “Will I ever be that brilliant or rich, will I, will I?”
What about you gals/guys? Who are your working class heroes? Your mom? Sis? BFF? Fave blogger/designer/photog/coder/translator? Let’s hear it. And if you want to read the rest of my Q&A with Cat, it’s here.
March 24th, 2008
Some of you may know Ariel Meadow Stallings, author of Offbeat Bride, the book and web phenom. She’s also the subject of my current “How’d you land that great job?” column in the Seattle Times, as her part-time day job as a blogger at Microsoft is pretty dang enviable. Following are excerpts from my Q&A with her.
The job: “I never thought my silly Internet addictions would actually be useful,” says freelance writer and author Ariel Meadow Stallings, who’s kept a personal blog since 2000. But in the Microsoft job she’s had for the past year, being Facebook-savvy isn’t just useful — it’s essential. As a marketing manager on the software giant’s staffing team, the Seattleite spends much of her time publishing Microspotting, a blog profiling some of Microsoft’s most notable employees, from a Peruvian rockstar to a technical editor known as That Goth Girl to the company’s infamous mystery blogger Mini-Microsoft.
Q. How did you get this job?
A. About a month after I’d been laid off from [a] startup job, I got an e-mail from a colleague who I’d met at a blog conference in 2006. She started the e-mail congratulating me for getting back to my freelance career, and then said, “Just in case you’re interested, I heard about this job at Microsoft…”
I was going to stop reading right then. I wasn’t looking for a full-time job, let alone a job at The ‘Soft. In the late ’90s, I’d worked a contract gig at Microsoft, [doing] content editing, and it was such a bad fit that I was fired after two weeks and literally escorted out of the building.
But then I noticed the job was part-time — and permanent. That hit a special and rare sweet spot for me, as I’d have the benefits of a permanent gig (Helloooo, health insurance!) but still have time to work on all my freelance projects. I wouldn’t have considered the job if it had been a 40-hour-a-week position.
Q. What does a week in the life of Ariel at Microsoft look like?
A. I try to get a new [employee] profile up every week or two on Microspotting, so there’s a fair amount of behind-the-scenes researching and networking that goes on. I’m obsessed with conveying the diversity of Microsoft in my profiles, so I do a lot of mulling over whether I’ve already profiled too many white-dude testers vs. female Indian developers vs. older gay Inuit program managers. I want the stories to stand on their own as interesting and noteworthy, even without the marketing angle.
Once I’ve got a person I know I want to profile, I meet with them to record an interview and take a few photos. That’s actually been a surprisingly fun part of this job — somehow I’ve become a corporate photographer. But I try to take unexpected shots of people having fun and being themselves. I’m not into the stuffy head shots.
Like any journalist, there’s transcribing and writing up the interview, and then pushing it live on the Web site. I also manage promoting the site — mostly using social media sites like YouTube and the photo site Flickr and the bookmarking site Digg. And I’m managing the development of a Facebook application for my team and helping with the Workin’ it @ MSFT fan page.
Q. What advice can you give hopeful corporate bloggers?
A. Just blog! And then blog more! And read blogs! And blog more! Blogging for yourself is the best training you can do — especially if you get into the metrics, like your Web stats. Granted, it’s not easy work (there’s nothing sadder than an abandoned blog that hasn’t been updated for 18 months), but the payoffs are remarkable. You’ll show up higher in search engines, get questions/comments from people you didn’t know were looking at your Web site and have the opportunity to impress your prospective employers with your latest thoughts.
You also can’t just be a writer. Even though modern blog tools make it easy to get by without much design knowledge, having a basic understanding of HTML and how the Web works will go a long way in making things better.
Networking is huge too. I attended blog conferences like BlogHer and Blog Business Summit and met lots of amazing folks, one of whom recommended me for this very job.
Want more? Read the whole profile here.
March 20th, 2008
Jasmine asks: I just started out as a full-time freelance writer/producer/creative consultant in NYC about a month ago. I am a little unsure whether it is my responsibility to offer a W-9 form to clients, or if it is up to them to ask me for one. (Obviously, I’d rather not hand out my social security number willingly.) I have good record-keeping practices to ensure I am able to determine the appropriate amount of taxes I will owe, but expect that without a W-9 I won’t receive a 1099, although I will certainly report the income on my own returns. Any insights as to who needs to initiate a W-9 are very welcome.
I answer: Congrats on going freelance! This question, cousin to “Help, my client didn’t send me a 1099!”, is one I hear a lot from new freelancers. For those who don’t know, a W-9 is a simple form that tells clients your tax ID number (your social security number if you’re not incorporated), which they need for their records and to generate those cute little 1099 forms they send you each January.
It’s in the client’s best interest to get this form to you, and 99 percent of them will. You’re right that you won’t get a 1099 if the client hasn’t asked you to fill out a W-9, either because they’ve never done this before and have no idea that they’re supposed to (in which case, your good records will come in handy at tax time) or because they’re just starting to use freelancers and are too lazy/busy/confused to follow proper tax practices.
Don’t worry so much about giving your social security number to a reputable business that other freelancers can vouch for. I understand the fear, but I’ve never heard of anyone getting their social security info misused by a standup client, and I’ve been doing this since the Pliocene Era. If, however, a new client is giving you the heebie-jeebies, that’s a clear indicator that you shouldn’t work with them. And if anyone has a juicy My Client Committed Identity Theft And/Or Sold My Social Security Number On The Black Market story, I’m all ears (and of course, sorry to hear it).
March 17th, 2008
Still chugging away on writing my new book. Meantime, some links you might like:
Inkthinker skewers 7 heinous freelance writing practices. Kudos to Kristen King for reminding us why acting like a selfish, immature, vindictive freelancer is unbecoming. Best blog post I’ve read in ages.
Getcher top 100 freelancer blogs here. The listmaker (Bootstrapper) does it again. Everything from The Golden Pencil to DIY Photography to The Anti 9-to-5 Guide. (Aw, thanks, Bootstrapper.)
The readers speak: Your on-spec design contest sucks. Sounds like this guy was trying to be helpful to newbie designers, but he should know better than to announce an on-spec design contest to a community of professional freelancers (given that he writes about freelancing). I’m glad he pulled the plug when the peanut gallery threw tomatoes.
Red Herring deflates Helium.com. Personally I wish freelance “marketplaces” like Helium’s would shrivel up and die. Once those new freelancers using the site get tired of competing against each other, on spec, for $.10/word gigs, they’ll still have to learn how to go out and look for decent-paying work.
Freelance Switch launches a Client Analyser tool. Is your client bleeding you dry? Now you have a digital algorithm to help you make the call. You have to enter eight clients into the tool for it to work.
Want to know what editors want? Check out Editors Unleashed: Magazine editors growl about their writer peeves, a much-needed e-book from The Renegade Writer. Short, sweet, and endlessly informative.
Seattleites, want to know how to sell your writing without checking your soul at the door? Check out this one-day marketing workshop in April taught by my buddy Diane Mapes. (For full class description, click here. Then scroll down for description or search on “Mapes.”)
Are you Not An Employee? You might like this fun new freelance site/swag seller/blog. I’ll be curious to see where it goes.
March 13th, 2008
In honor of March 8, I thought I’d list eight of my favorite women’s media outlets in autobiographical order (that is, my autobio):
- Ms. — Used to steal my mom’s issues when I was a kid. Thank god for Gloria Steinem.
- BUST – Still have the “Sex” issue with John Spencer of JSBX on the cover. (Mmmm.) Still devour every issue.
- Bitch — Cannot read an issue without having a debate with someone about something I read in it, even if it’s just an internal, telepathic debate with one of the mag’s writers. In other words, the mag makes me think. Which is a good thing.
- Seal Press — What can I say? I heart my publisher’s MO. Always have, always will.
- Broadsheet on Salon.com — Brilliant, insightful, hilarious writers. Always classy, already a classic. I pretty much bow at their feet.
- Women’s eNews — Most underrated women’s media outlet. Remember back when web stories were 100% reported? That parallel universe still exists on Women’s eNews. This site’s top-notch.
- Feministing — Because in-your-face is good.
- Jezebel — Because snark is even better.
How about you? Got any faves to share?
March 8th, 2008
While I haven’t had many problems getting paid by clients over the years, the occasional accounting snafu does arise. This week I’m dealing with a client who’s been all thumbs in the accounts payable department. (In their defense, a personnel change has led a few check-cutting hiccups.)
Fortunately I’ve had enough money in my account to cover the boo-boos. Still, I thought I’d share my Not Getting Paid Properly Hall of Fame with you. Curiously all these goofs happened during the December holiday season.
- Client who normally sends checks within 14 days of receiving invoice takes almost three months to cut me a check. This requires some prodding on my part. Check arrives unsigned by client. I fail to notice and race to deposit it. Bank returns check to me, unable to cash it. I’m left waiting for client to reissue a valid check. (Duh all around.)
- Long-time client accidentally pays me double the invoice. All on one check. Not wanting to embark on a life of crime, I let the client know. I tear up the check and wait for client to issue a new one. (Merry Chrismukkah. Not.)
- Another December, another long-time client insists that I bill them in advance for work I’m slated to do the coming January. Something about having to pre-bill their client. When the project scope shrinks, I wind up having to reimburse my client a couple thou. (Don’t try this at home. Just as stupid and painful as it sounds.)
- My personal fave: My check arrives in an envelope stuck to the adhesive of another envelope addressed to and containing a check for another freelancer. Clearly an automation goof. Rather than send the poor guy’s check back to the client, I Google him, let him know, and drop it in the mail to him. (A Christmas miracle!)
This probably goes without saying, but impeccable accounting records (via Excel, QuickBooks, or the program of your choice) are a must if you’re even going to catch this stuff (save for the sig-less check).
So what about you? Any stupid payment tricks/accidents on the part of your clients you care to share? Please don’t name names, unless you want to pay my legal fees.
March 5th, 2008
We had ourselves such a lively conversation about grad school last month, I thought the topic deserved another look. I recently did a Q&A about all things higher ed with Kristina Cowan, aka The Salary Reporter, at PayScale.com. Kristina has more than a decade of experience reporting on education and the workforce. Here’s her take on higher ed, community college, trade school, and recession-proof gigs.
Q. I’m a big fan of not using grad school as the “I don’t know what else to do next” default. In the The Anti 9-to-5 Guide, I suggest auditing classes and talking to students in programs you covet before enrolling. Can you offer other tips for weighing a program you’re interested in?
A. It’s a good idea to interview others in the field you’re exploring. Talk to a professor at the school you’re considering, as well as professionals working in the industry. Request informational interviews by phone or, ideally, in person, and prepare a set of questions. A good one to ask is: Will a master’s degree help speed me along the career path and boost my paychecks? I did this when I was exploring a master’s degree in journalism, and found it very helpful.
Ultimately, you should determine the pricetag of graduate school, and whether the advanced degree will truly advance your career and increase your pay enough to justify the expense. Do as much research and talk to as many people as possible so you make a well-informed decision.
Q. When grad school isn’t required for making strides in a particular career path (for example, writing) what are the most compelling reasons to go?
A. I chased a master’s degree in journalism for two reasons I thought were compelling: I knew I could get hands-on experience from the school I picked (Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism). I’d get a chance to write and report for real publications in both the Chicago and Washington, D.C. areas, while getting guidance from professors with plenty of journalism experience. I also knew I’d come away with clips I could use when interviewing for jobs.
The other reason was networking. Medill’s alumni and professors form a strong circle of seasoned journalists at every level and in every medium; they’re individuals on fire for the Fourth Estate. I owe much of the last eight years of my journalism career to that network and my Medill experience.
Q. More and more career paths don’t require a college degree, and more and more students can’t afford a college education at all. If a person is clear on the career path they want to pursue and it doesn’t require a four-year university degree, would you advise them to save themselves the cost and skip the diploma? Go to a more affordable community college instead?
A. I always argue in favor of a bachelor’s degree. I’ve read a slew of studies and talked to countless career and education experts who say a bachelor’s degree these days is what a high-school diploma was years ago: almost essential if you want to make it in this world. I wrote a story for PayScale.com exploring the value of a bachelor’s degree, where I report that earnings tend to rise as education levels increase.
That said, higher ed’s skyrocketing costs are scary and disheartening, but they shouldn’t be a deterrent. Community colleges are an excellent, inexpensive option, and they’re incredibly accessible: according to the American Association of Community Colleges, there are 1,195 in the United States. Students should consider spending their freshman and sophomore years at a two-year school, and then transferring to a four-year school. To help pay the bills, they can do work-study or find off-campus jobs.
At the end of the day, college teaches young people about accountability, responsibility, and organization — essentially, what it means to be an adult. I don’t remember much about the facts I learned or the essays I wrote as an undergrad, but I do remember learning how to fend for myself, pay bills, and take responsibility for my future. It was my first taste of independence, and I’ve never looked back!
Q. I’ve interviewed a number of women over the years who’ve rejected the corporate grind from the get-go — or rejected it after a decade or two — for work in the trades (firefighting, bus driving, construction). Do you think trade school is the new graduate school?
A. Trade school can be invaluable. It provides real-world experience you can’t get in a classroom or through a book. I think it’s especially useful for career-changers who want to gain skills and put them to use relatively quickly.
Q. Any tips for a person with a traditional college education who’s considering embarking on a one-year or two-year trade school program? What might they find different in their new program, and what perceptions do they need to let go of?
A. Depending on the person’s age, re-entering anything associated with the word “school” can be daunting. But the truth is, we all should approach learning as something we do throughout our lives. There is no right or wrong age to attend a trade school, community college, or a four-year institution. Demographics in our country are shifting swiftly, as baby boomers retire or change careers and Generation Y comes of age. We must let go of the dated notion that school is for kids. School is for us all.
Q. Do you think there are there any truly recession-proof jobs?
A. It’s important to remember nothing in life is guaranteed — except death and taxes, as the saying goes — and that includes careers and jobs.
Still, some career paths are more fail-safe than others, such as health care, information technology, education, and jobs with the U.S. government. So-called green jobs are another option. The green arena, which includes energy and environmental industries, is growing quickly and there’s high demand for workers in a variety of positions. You can see my recession stories here and here.
Want more Kristina? Visit The Salary Reporter on PayScale.com.
March 4th, 2008
I told myself I wasn’t going to post the cover of my new book on the site until I’d put the sucker to bed. The manuscript’s not even due till next week. But then Kristen Fischer kindly did this 